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Suggest Treatment For Severe Headache And Dehydration
Question: I woke up with a severe headache on April 8. I tried treating myself in case of dehydration by increasing water, and decreasing caffeine... I also eliminated alcohol. OTC pain killers numbed it but did little and within 4 hours, the headache was back. The pain is worse at the base of my skull on the right side... it feels a bit swollen. It radiates up and over my head. The pain is worse if I shake my head.
Even though I could breath normally, I tried sinus sprays to loosen anything that maybe up there. I did get some foul tasting drainage... and the pain went down a bit. I have been continuing this, but after the initial difference it has not improved. I have no significant history of allergies.
On April 16, I went to the ER.. they did a CT and blood work and said things looked normal. They gave me 2 liters of IV liquid with something for the pain... the first IV made the pain worse. I have a very high threshold for pain. I was told to follow up with a physician. I went and saw an Internal Medicine doctor on April 20.
I got a lecture about the overuse of antibiotics (I am a doctor's kid... and agree with that.... I was not asking for antibiotics). I don't care if I get any meds... I want the pain to stop. I was given a short course of prednisone. It seemed to help some, but once again the pain is still there.
To add to this, a chair went out from under me on April 26th. I hit my head is the same spot at the worst of the headache pain (base of the skull). Other then some lips tingling, I have had no other symptoms of a concussion.
My Mom has experienced some similar symptoms .. she thought she had been bitten by something. We were in Mexico at the end of March. I am now at 20 days with a severe headache, and am basically being told that it will go away someday on it's own. I completely understand why people take drills to their own heads. And am at a loss, as to why I am the only one who things this isn't right.
There is no way that 20 days of a severe headache and pain at the base of my skull is normal. I am at my wit's end. Thank you for reading this.
Even though I could breath normally, I tried sinus sprays to loosen anything that maybe up there. I did get some foul tasting drainage... and the pain went down a bit. I have been continuing this, but after the initial difference it has not improved. I have no significant history of allergies.
On April 16, I went to the ER.. they did a CT and blood work and said things looked normal. They gave me 2 liters of IV liquid with something for the pain... the first IV made the pain worse. I have a very high threshold for pain. I was told to follow up with a physician. I went and saw an Internal Medicine doctor on April 20.
I got a lecture about the overuse of antibiotics (I am a doctor's kid... and agree with that.... I was not asking for antibiotics). I don't care if I get any meds... I want the pain to stop. I was given a short course of prednisone. It seemed to help some, but once again the pain is still there.
To add to this, a chair went out from under me on April 26th. I hit my head is the same spot at the worst of the headache pain (base of the skull). Other then some lips tingling, I have had no other symptoms of a concussion.
My Mom has experienced some similar symptoms .. she thought she had been bitten by something. We were in Mexico at the end of March. I am now at 20 days with a severe headache, and am basically being told that it will go away someday on it's own. I completely understand why people take drills to their own heads. And am at a loss, as to why I am the only one who things this isn't right.
There is no way that 20 days of a severe headache and pain at the base of my skull is normal. I am at my wit's end. Thank you for reading this.
Brief Answer:
Occipital neuralgia to be considered.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
First thing, I believe you about your pain and I think there is need for an explanation of the cause.
Regarding to pain localization and distribution, in my opinion occipital neuralgia should be considered as a possible cause.
It is a condition related to compression of upper cervical nerves that supply base, back and top of the head, during their pathway.
It could be related to cervical spondylosis, arthritis or trauma.
In my opinion, it is necessary to be evaluated by a Neurologist and to get done imaging studies of the neck (MRI is the best tool) in order to understand better your condition.
In mean time, use of antineuralgic drugs such Gabapentin, Pregabalin, Amytriptiline, etc. should be considered and discussed with your Doctor, since they are prescription drugs.
If diagnosis is confirmed, local perineural injections and nerve ablation techniques may be the solution for a long term relief.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Occipital neuralgia to be considered.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
First thing, I believe you about your pain and I think there is need for an explanation of the cause.
Regarding to pain localization and distribution, in my opinion occipital neuralgia should be considered as a possible cause.
It is a condition related to compression of upper cervical nerves that supply base, back and top of the head, during their pathway.
It could be related to cervical spondylosis, arthritis or trauma.
In my opinion, it is necessary to be evaluated by a Neurologist and to get done imaging studies of the neck (MRI is the best tool) in order to understand better your condition.
In mean time, use of antineuralgic drugs such Gabapentin, Pregabalin, Amytriptiline, etc. should be considered and discussed with your Doctor, since they are prescription drugs.
If diagnosis is confirmed, local perineural injections and nerve ablation techniques may be the solution for a long term relief.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Answered by
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